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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Lydia Stephens

Saturday’s coronavirus morning headlines as police issue warning to drinkers planning England visits (July 4)

Here is a round-up of the latest news in response to the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday, July 4.

Follow updates on the world coronavirus pandemic on our  live blog  and sign up for our email newsletter alerts by going  here.

Confirmed worldwide cases: 11,198,209

Confirmed deaths:  529,212

Confirmed recoveries/discharges:  6,345,230

In Wales two more people have died after contracting coronavirus, it was announced on Friday.

The total number of deaths in patients in Wales with lab-confirmed Covid-19 since the outbreak began has now reached 1,525.

But the true death toll, according to the figures the Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes every week, was 2,408 in Wales by June 19.

The number of lab-confirmed positive cases of coronavirus in Wales has risen by 26 bringing the total to 15,841.

Police warn Welsh people not to travel to England to visit pubs

Welsh police forces have issued warnings to drinkers planning on breaking the five-mile stay local rule this weekend to visit English pubs.

Concerns have been raised that some drinkers will be tempted to cross the border by train or car to enjoy a pint in re-opened pubs today, reports the BBC.

Transport for Wales also want to urge passengers to remember that their services should only be used for essential travel only. They said this is to ensure there is enough space for key workers.

A spokesman from Gwent Police told the BBC they will be reinforcing the message to "stay safe, stay local".

They said: "Our force area sits on one of the main gateways into Wales. We would like to remind our communities that there are still differences in the guidance in Wales and in England and any changes to the government guidelines have not yet come into effect in Wales."

Concerns have also been raised due to there being a Cardiff City game in Bristol this weekend, where the pubs will be open.

Dyfed-Powys Police added to this sentiment, reminding people of the dangers of drink-driving.

They said: "It is also vital that anyone planning on consuming alcohol away from their home ensures they are fit to drive before doing so or arranges an alternative method of transport.

"Drink-driving can have tragic consequences and after three months of the country pulling together for the NHS we hope everyone continues to act responsibly and stays safe this weekend."

Hair cuts and wedding bells on 'Super Saturday' as lockdown is eased in England

Couples have tied the knot and barbers have opened for the first time in months as coronavirus restrictions were eased across England on what has been dubbed 'Super Saturday'.

A major easing of lockdown measures will see pubs, restaurants, bars and cinemas also able to open their doors again under modified social distancing restrictions.

One of the first people in the country to visit a newly-reopened hair salon said it was nice to feel "like normal" again.

There were masks, aprons, and faceshields aplenty at the salon, but Sandra Jacobs described the trip to Tusk Hair in Camden on Friday night as "such a relief, I can't tell you".

Men wait for a barbers to open in Ashford, Kent, on Saturday morning (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Some couples also have not wasted any time before saying "I do" and two key workers got married just moments after the restrictions were lifted.

Care home worker Jennifer Wilson and security guard Louise Arnold, both 22, married at the Peace Garden Pergola in the grounds of Runcorn Town Hall, Cheshire, in what was thought to be the first wedding after the updated Covid-19 guidelines came into force.

Hairdressers in Wales will not open until July 13 and that is only if there is no resurgence in coronavirus cases in Wales. Pubs and restaurants are also expected to open on the same day.

Nationwide clap to celebrate 72nd anniversary of the NHS

A nationwide round of applause is set to take place on Sunday evening to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

People will also be encouraged to observe a minute's silence and light a candle on Saturday in remembrance of people who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

The nationwide clap follows the success of the weekly Clap for Carers during the coronavirus outbreak and it is hoped that the applause, which is planned for 5pm on Sunday, will become an annual tradition.

Chief executive for NHS Wales Dr Andrew Goodall said Clap for Carers was "very much embraced" in Wales and he is "delighted" to support it.

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